Story of a 30 year journey from traditional photographer to ecological artist, now on display Deakin University Art Gallery

Environmental artist Lloyd Godman has brought his new exhibition to the Deakin University Art Gallery this month.

Lloyd Godman: A PHOTO:synthetic pathway features photography, printmaking and suspended sculptures made of steel and tillandsia plants to illustrate his 30 year journey as an artist from his beginnings using traditional photographic techniques through to his use of living plants.

Through parallel practices as artist and organic gardener, the artist's exhibition draws a connection between photosynthesis and the role of light in photographic practice, presenting living plants as 'super-sustainable' sculpture. 

The University of Melbourne's Dr Helen McDonald said Godman's concern for the environment featured throughout his projects, shifting his art practice to work with living plant sculptures.

In a recent article about Godman's exhibition for Imprint magazine McDonald wrote: "Ecological artist and organic gardener Lloyd Godman is fascinated by the role that light plays in photosynthesis, the process by which a plant creates sugar from light, carbon dioxide and water, with oxygen as a waste product.

"Like poet playwright Dylan Thomas, who believed photosynthesis was driven by the same life force that brought about the blossoming of his youth, Godman sees this life-producing botanical process as analogous to his own creative technique of making photographic art.

"Photography — 'photo' meaning light and 'graph' meaning drawing — requires light to create images whereas photosynthesis requires light to create green, botanical form.

"Godman has developed the analogy between botanical process and creative art practice for almost twenty years through his plant works.

"His forthcoming exhibition, Lloyd Godman: A PHOTO: synthetic pathway will demonstrate that he has done this in highly original, aesthetic and sustainable ways."

Godman, who was head of photography at New Zealand's School of Art Otago Polytechnic, before moving to Melbourne in 2005, has had over 45 solo exhibitions and been included in more than 250 group exhibitions.

Lloyd Godman: A PHOTO:synthetic pathway is open from now until 18 October at the Deakin University Art Gallery, Melbourne Burwood Campus, 221 Burwood Highway, Burwood 3125. Entry is free.